US12140503B2 - Leak detection system - Google Patents

Leak detection system Download PDF

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Publication number
US12140503B2
US12140503B2 US17/780,386 US202017780386A US12140503B2 US 12140503 B2 US12140503 B2 US 12140503B2 US 202017780386 A US202017780386 A US 202017780386A US 12140503 B2 US12140503 B2 US 12140503B2
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pressure
fuel system
threshold
leak
tank
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US20230008799A1 (en
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David Hill
Antoine Chaussinand
Mihai BAJA
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Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research SA
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Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/025—Details with respect to the testing of engines or engine parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
    • B60K15/03504—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L27/00—Testing or calibrating of apparatus for measuring fluid pressure
    • G01L27/007—Malfunction diagnosis, i.e. diagnosing a sensor defect
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/32—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
    • G01M3/3236—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators by monitoring the interior space of the containers
    • G01M3/3263—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators by monitoring the interior space of the containers using a differential pressure detector
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0321—Fuel tanks characterised by special sensors, the mounting thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
    • B60K2015/03375—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling to improve security
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
    • B60K2015/03523—Arrangements of the venting tube
    • B60K2015/03538—Arrangements of the venting tube the venting tube being connected with the filler tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
    • B60K2015/03542—Mounting of the venting means
    • B60K2015/03552—Mounting of the venting means the venting means are integrated into the fuel filler pipe
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
    • B60Y2400/10—Energy storage devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
    • B60Y2400/30—Sensors
    • B60Y2400/302—Temperature sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2400/00—Special features of vehicle units
    • B60Y2400/30—Sensors
    • B60Y2400/306—Pressure sensors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sealed fuel system for a vehicle comprising a leak detection device.
  • the invention further relates to a method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle and a method for detecting a malfunctioning of a pressure sensor in a sealed fuel system for a vehicle.
  • leak detection systems are required to detect a leak in the complete evaporative emission system of a sealed fuel system, which includes any component internally exposed to fuel vapor. More specifically leak detection systems, which are able to detect and find small leaks within a sealed fuel system and signal the vehicle owner to take the vehicle for repair of the system, in order to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds present in the environment.
  • the leak detection systems and methods in the market work in two basic ways. The first is a method that induces pressure or vacuum in the interior of the sealed fuel system components via a mechanical pump, said method is called “active leak detection method”.
  • the second is a method that relies on the evolution of temperature to build pressure inside the fuel tank based on the principle of the ideal gas law that relates a change in temperature in a sealed fuel system to a change in pressure in said system as a function of the amount of temperature change and the gas properties of the gaseous mixture inside the tank, said method is called “passive leak detection method”.
  • the second method presents the advantage of being much less costly and requires significantly less power consumption while a vehicle is off however it generally generates less pressure and/or vacuum than a system using a pump.
  • temperature is measured in addition to pressure inside the fuel vapor dome in order to related the two basic ways and determine whether there is a leak present.
  • Liquid fuel may be present in the sump and blocks the vapor circulation inducing a risk that a leak as big as a missing filler cap would never be detected if the venting line going to the filler pipe to provide vapor communication is blocked.
  • the sealed fuel system for a vehicle comprising a fuel tank, a filler pipe, a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe and a leak detection device, wherein the leak detection device comprises:
  • the leak detection device permits the use of venting line having a sump shape in a sealed fuel system, which leads to a simplified assembly procedure of the fuel system in the vehicle during the production line. Furthermore, additional holes drilled in the vehicle frame to pass the venting line are unnecessary which can add weight due to additional reinforcement pieces to counteract decreases in stiffness from the resulting holes. Finally, two pressure sensors enables to detect a leak if vehicle-operating condition can create unconnected vapor volumes in the fuel system, said unconnected volumes being the vapor dome of the tank and the top of the filler pipe or the vapor dome of the tank and the top of the venting line.
  • the filler pipe is usually connected at the bottom of the fuel tank and in most situations; the fuel in the tank will fill the connection between them.
  • the sealing means has a normally closed position.
  • the role of the venting line is to ensure a secondary connection, but the vapor disconnection will come from liquid fuel in the sump between the two volumes. The liquid can ingress inside the sump due to dynamic vehicle conditions during driving or due to slow filling of the venting line if the vehicle is parked in an inclined configuration.
  • sealed fuel system we intend to mean that the openings of the fuel system are normally closed.
  • controller we intend to mean an electronic control unit (ECU).
  • the first pressure sensor is mounted in the vapor dome of the fuel tank.
  • the second pressure sensor is located in the venting line above the highest possible liquid level that could be present in the venting line or is located in the filler pipe above the highest possible liquid level that could be present in said filler pipe.
  • the second pressure sensor is located in the venting line between the sump and the top of the filler pipe, above the highest possible liquid level that could be present in the venting line.
  • the sealing means is an Inlet Check Valve.
  • the Inlet Check Valve is a one-way check valve that is a sealing valve that allows creating a seal between the fuel tank and the filler pipe for preventing pressure built in the fuel tank from being transferred into the filler pipe.
  • the leak detection device comprises a temperature sensor provided to measure the temperature in the vapor dome of the fuel tank.
  • the presence of the temperature sensor enables the increase of the conditions where the leak detection can be performed by reducing the thresholds for detection.
  • a better prediction of the resulting pressure change between two measurement time points through the use of pressure/temperature relationships.
  • a filler pipe threshold pressure Th 3 can also be lowered. This is especially advantageous as there is direct relation of the performance of a passive leak detection system to a threshold pressure required Th 2 .
  • the temperature sensor is mounted in the vapor dome of the fuel tank.
  • the sealed fuel system for a vehicle according to the invention is such that the part of the venting line forming a sump has a shape selected from the group consisting of a U-shape, a V-shape and a J-shape, preferably the part of the venting line forming a sump has a J-shape.
  • the different shapes of the sump permits a higher fuel systems adaptability to different vehicle architectures.
  • the J-shape is preferred to improve refueling performance.
  • the venting line connecting the filler pipe to the tank has a higher length on the filler pipe side than on tank side.
  • the highest point of the filler pipe is generally higher than the highest point of the tank relative to a horizontal ground (highest in the Z direction once installed in the vehicle); it reduces fuel going out of the filler pipe at the end of a refueling event.
  • the method is provided for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle as defined above.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle comprising a fuel tank, a filler pipe, a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe, wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump, is such that said method comprising at least the steps of:
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle permits to obtain reliable results even if the vapor dome of the fuel tank and the top of the filler pipe or the top of the venting line are not in direct communication.
  • direct communication we intend to mean that there is a continuous gas flow in the venting line and no or a very small quantity of liquid that does not block the gas flow is present.
  • the method according to the invention is exhaustive in covering all vehicle life situations that can produce different situation inside the fuel system: situations where the pressure evolves similarly or differently in the vapor dome of the fuel tank and in the top of the venting line or the top of the filler pipe.
  • the predetermined time points for measuring the pressure in the vapor dome of the fuel tank are preferably 0.5, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours after the vehicle is key-off.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the step c) and d) comprise the steps of:
  • the method permits to detect a leak in the case of the pressures in the vapor dome of the tank and in the top of the filler pipe or in the top of the venting line evolve similarly.
  • the principle of the method relies on the pressure and the temperature evolution in the vapor dome to detect a leak in the system.
  • evolution we intend to mean that there are several measurements of the couple pressure/temperature catching the change in temperature and pressure.
  • the algorithm shows that the relation between pressure and temperature can be predicted as disclosed in document EP 3 409 936 A1. If the pressure difference is lower than Th 1 , it means that possibly there is no liquid in the venting line connecting the tank to the filler pipe. In such a case, the analysis can rely only on one pressure sensor, which reduces the needs in term of accuracy on the second sensor, thus reducing its cost. The electrical consumption can also be reduced, as the second sensor can be unpowered for ulterior pressure measurements.
  • steps c) and d) comprise the steps of: i) comparing the absolute value of the difference between the two measured pressures P 1 , P 2 to the first threshold Th 1 ;
  • the method permits to detect a leak in the case of the pressures in the vapor dome of the tank and in the top of the filler pipe or in the top of the venting line evolve differently (the difference between the two pressures is higher than Th 1 ). In such a case, there is possibly liquid in the venting line connecting the vapor dome of the fuel tank and the top of the filler pipe. As there is a doubt on the presence of liquid in the venting line sump or the presence of a leak, the method has advanced steps to avoid falsely predicting a leak.
  • the presence of the liquid in the venting line can be assessed with the pressure in the vapor dome of the fuel tank, if the absolute pressure is higher than Th 3 , the gas pressure would have been able to push (in case of a positive relative pressure) or to aspire (in case of a negative relative pressure) the liquid from the venting line to the filler pipe or into the tank.
  • a full or partial gas connection between the vapor dome of the fuel tank and the filler pipe can be considered.
  • a full connection we intend to mean that all the liquid in the line has been pushed or aspired in the filler pipe or the fuel tank.
  • a partial gas connection we intend to mean that some bubbles can go through the liquid between the tank and the filler pipe.
  • this step of the method allows the disabling of the algorithm and thus reduce electrical consumption of the control unit.
  • the method compares the pressure in the filler pipe to Th 4 .
  • a lower value than the threshold indicates that a full or partial gas connection does not lead to a pressure equilibrium between the two volumes so there is a leak in the system on the filler pipe side.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the first threshold Th 1 is defined taking into account the precision and the accuracy of the two pressure sensors.
  • Th 1 is the maximum difference acceptable between the two sensors when they are measuring the same actual pressure. This threshold cumulates the precision and the accuracy of the two sensors plus a safety margin.
  • the margin is comprised in the range of 1 to 10 mbar, preferably in the range from 1 to 5 mbar.
  • the individual accuracy and precision of a sensor can be technologically reduced, but it increases the cost of the sensor. There is thus a compromise to be made between the cost and the efficiency of the sensor.
  • a preferred sensor would have a precision between 1 to 5 mbar, preferably equal 2 mbar, and an accuracy between 0.5 to 3 mbar, preferably equal to 1 mbar. Therefore, Th 1 would be comprised between 4 mbar and 26 mbar, preferably comprised between 5 and 10 mbar.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the second threshold Th 2 is chosen in the range of 5 mbar and 35 mbar and the temperature threshold Th 5 is chosen between 1° C. and 5° C., preferably between 2° C. and 3° C.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the third threshold (Th 3 ) is adapted to the potential maximum hydraulic pressure of the liquid in the sump part of the venting line in function of the sign of the value of the pressure in the fuel tank vapor dome.
  • the third threshold Th 3 is the pressure needed to push or aspire the liquid from the sump.
  • the pressure in the fuel tank vapor dome is higher than the pressure in the filler pipe, the liquid in the venting line will be pushed in the filler pipe.
  • Th 3 is the hydraulic pressure equivalent to the sump volume when all the liquid is in the highest length of the connecting line (of J) and the liquid density. This value is directly driven by the design of the vehicle. A common value for instance could be 40 mbar.
  • Th 3 is the hydraulic pressure equivalent to the liquid density and the volume between the lowest level of the sump and the top of the tank height. This value is directly driven by the design of the vehicle. A common value for instance could be 20 mbar.
  • the adjustment of Th 3 to the fact that the liquid in the sump will be pushed or aspired regarding the pressure difference allows reducing the pressure needed in the tank. It further allows taking a quicker decision and thus reducing electrical consumption and increasing the occurrence of the decision.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the fourth threshold Th 4 is defined relatively to the sensor accuracy and precision of the pressure sensor located in the venting line above the highest possible liquid level that could be present in the venting line or located in the filler pipe above the highest possible liquid level that could be present in said filler pipe.
  • the fourth threshold Th 4 is the minimal detectable pressure that can be maintained by the fuel system if a leak is not present. For pressures lower than this threshold, a situation where a leak is present cannot be distinguished from a situation where no leak is present due to the volatile nature of the fuel. This value takes into account sensor accuracy and precision plus a safety margin.
  • the margin is between 1 to 10 mbar, preferably 1 to 5 mbar.
  • a preferred sensor would have a precision between 1 to 5 mbar, preferably 2 mbar and an accuracy between 0.5 to 3 mbar preferably 1 mbar. Therefore, Th 4 preferred value would be 10 mbar.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle according to the invention is such that the third and the fourth threshold Th 3 , Th 4 are augmented by temperature evolution between two predetermined time points when said evolution is greater than the temperature threshold Th 5 .
  • the readjustment of the third threshold and the fourth threshold based on the temperature evolution in the fuel tank vapor dome, Th 3 and Th 4 allows quicker decisions, reduces electrical consumption and increases the occurrence of the decision.
  • the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle is such that said method is started with the temperature evolution measured by a temperature sensor is higher than the temperature threshold Th 5 .
  • the method for detecting a malfunctioning of a pressure sensor in a sealed fuel system for a vehicle comprises at least the steps of:
  • the predetermined time points for measuring the pressure in the vapor dome of the fuel tank are preferably 0.5, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours after the vehicle is key-off.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a leak detection device according to the prior art installed on a sealed fuel system of a vehicle a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump;
  • FIG. 2 shows a leak detection device according to the prior art installed on a sealed fuel system of a vehicle a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a leak detection device according to the invention installed on a sealed fuel system of a vehicle a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump;
  • FIG. 4 discloses a leak detection device according to the invention installed on a sealed fuel system of a vehicle a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump;
  • FIG. 5 shows a chart presenting the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle comprising a venting line for recirculating fuel vapors from the tank to the filler pipe wherein a part of the venting line forms a sump.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sealed fuel system for a vehicle comprising a leak detection device according to the prior art, the fuel systems comprising a fuel tank 101 , with a filler pipe 102 , a venting line 103 , used to provide vapor communication between the head of the filler pipe 102 and the fuel tank 101 , in order to be able detect a leak at the head 104 of said filler pipe 102 primarily induced by the improper replacement of the fuel cap 104 .
  • a first pressure sensor 105 on the fuel tank 101 to measure the internal pressure and determine whether or not a leak exists.
  • the figure illustrates also the fact that liquid fuel 106 could be present in the venting line 103 by spilling over from either the refueling process or the tank itself.
  • FIG. 2 shows a sealed fuel system for a vehicle comprising a leak detection device according to the prior art, wherein a fuel cap 204 is improperly placed on the head of a fuel filler pipe 202 of the fuel tank 201 and there is liquid fuel 206 in a venting line 203 .
  • an internal tank pressure can be achieved that is higher than the threshold pressure defined to ensure the leak integrity of the fuel system due to the hydrostatic pressure the fluid 206 applies on the fuel tank.
  • the pressure value measured by a first pressure sensor 205 can falsely indicate that the entire fuel system 201 , 202 , 203 and 205 is leak tight.
  • FIG. 3 represents an embodiment of a leak detection device according to the invention, wherein a fuel cap 304 is improperly placed on the head of a fuel filler pipe 302 and there is liquid fuel 306 in a venting line 303 of a fuel tank 301 , and in which a second pressure sensor 307 is implemented in the venting line 303 , preferably at a point higher than the highest possible liquid level in the venting line 303 .
  • a second pressure sensor 307 is implemented in the venting line 303 , preferably at a point higher than the highest possible liquid level in the venting line 303 .
  • an absence of pressure will be detected in the venting line 303 and the filler pipe 302 , which can be reliably used as criteria to detect a leak, regardless of the liquid fuel 306 inside the venting line 303 .
  • the complete fuel system 301 , 302 , 303 , 305 and 307 can be checked for leaks.
  • a controller (not shown) controls the operations of the leak detection device.
  • the filler pipe 302 has a sealing means, for example, an Inlet Check Valve (not showed), located near the fuel tank 301 .
  • the Inlet Check Valve is a one-way check valve that is a sealing valve that allows creating a seal between the fuel tank 301 and the filler pipe 302 for preventing pressure built in the fuel tank 301 from being transferred into the filler pipe 302 .
  • FIG. 4 represents a preferred embodiment of a leak detection device according to the invention, wherein a fuel cap 404 is improperly placed on the head of a fuel filler pipe 402 and there is liquid fuel 406 in a venting line 403 of a fuel tank 401 , and in which a second pressure sensor 407 is implemented in the venting line 403 , preferably at a point higher than the highest possible liquid level in the venting line 403 .
  • a temperature sensor 408 is integrated into a first pressure sensor 405 in order to more accurately determine whether there was enough temperature change within the fuel tank 401 to build sufficient pressure to determine whether there is a leak in the system or not.
  • This temperature sensor 408 combined with the first pressure sensor 405 in the tank 401 and the second pressure sensor 407 on the venting line 403 represents the ideal system for accurately and consistently detecting a leak in the fuel system.
  • a controller (not shown) controls the operations of the leak detection device.
  • the filler pipe 402 has a sealing means, for example, an Inlet Check Valve (not showed), located near the fuel tank 401 .
  • the Inlet Check Valve is a one-way check valve that is a sealing valve that allows creating a seal between the fuel tank 401 and the filler pipe 402 for preventing pressure built in the fuel tank 401 from being transferred into the filler pipe 402 .
  • FIG. 5 represents an embodiment of the method for detecting the leak as well as the integrity of the two pressure sensors comprising the steps of the method, wherein A illustrates the steps a) and b) of the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle, B and C illustrates the steps c) and d) of the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle.
  • B illustrates the steps e) of the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle
  • B illustrates the steps i), j), k), l) and m) of the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle
  • C illustrates the steps f), g) and h) of the method for detecting a leak in a sealed fuel system of a vehicle.
  • steps e) and i) form a single comparison step.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Supplying Secondary Fuel Or The Like To Fuel, Air Or Fuel-Air Mixtures (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
US17/780,386 2019-11-29 2020-11-30 Leak detection system Active 2041-08-26 US12140503B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19212718 2019-11-29
EP19212718 2019-11-29
EP19212718.1 2019-11-29
PCT/EP2020/083834 WO2021105493A1 (en) 2019-11-29 2020-11-30 Leak detection system

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KR102834625B1 (ko) 2025-07-15
EP4065400B1 (de) 2025-07-02
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JP7568718B2 (ja) 2024-10-16

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